EMBRACE YOUR INNER ‘SPIRIT’ AND ENTER THE ‘OTHER’ WORLD AT AN ARRAY OF EXCITING EVENTS AND GIGS ACROSS ATHBOY, TRIM AND DROGHEDA FROM 31 OCTOBER UNTIL 2 NOVEMBER
Samhain Festival, Ireland’ traditional celebration of Halloween and harvest, sits on a threshold – between the light of summer and the dark of winter. It divides the year. Splits it in two. And from this split a tear appears and breaks the barriers between our world and that of the ‘Other’.
This otherworldly moment has become an occasion celebrated all over the world from Mexico’s ‘Day of the Day’ parades to the USA’s ‘trick or treating’ rituals. But long before the rest of the world Ireland was celebrating this great druidic festival. It is here that it all began.
PUCA Festival is a brand, new festival reclaiming Ireland’s original Halloween celebrations. It is named after the mischievous, shapeshifting spirit, Púca who will be your spirit guide across the 3-day celebrations, alongside the other Samhain beings – Boann, the spirit of Light; Morrigan, the harbinger of Dark and mischief-maker, Fear Dearg.
Come on the 31 October and face-off the ‘other’ on Day 1! You can create your own mask, join your spirit group and be a part of a huge, lively parade through the streets of Trim, torch in hand. Or head to Athboy and soak up the existing druidic traditions on The Hill of Ward. Through theatre, fire, spectacle and storytelling you will celebrate The Coming of Samhain and truly feel the worlds shift.
Don’t miss the exceptional gigs at Trim Castle across the 3 days. The anarchic delight that is Jerry Fish, with his Púca-ed up Electric Sideshow will open the festival and bring circus, cabaret, mischief and mayhem to the ‘other’ world and tempt even the darkest spirit to have fun!
Some of Ireland’s hottest new bands will take to the stage on the second night of PUCA, unleasing their own unique sounds across the atmospheric setting of Trim’s castle ruins. Don’t miss Just Mustard, Pillow Queens and AE Mak as this next generation of music makers, cause havoc with the ambience of the ‘other’ world.
And world-renowned DJ and producer, KORMAC, will take to the stage with his Big Band and the Irish Chamber Orchestra, on the final night, creating their sound spectacular, innovative multimedia Equivalent Exchange to see the spirits out!
The stunning ruins of Trim Castle will be the background for a dose of 21 century technology with cutting-edge illuminations and interactive installations, transforming these grounds into playful playgrounds for you and your spirit guides to explore.
The ancient town of Drogheda is also hosting some exceptional artists across the 3-days to evoke the ‘other’ and celebrate world-renowned Celtic folk traditions.
Acclaimed composer, Matthew Nolan will set the scene, with a group of musicians on the 31 October, with a live performance of his brand, new score set to Häxan, an early 20th century Scandi cult horror film that has never been screened in Ireland before.
Candlelit Tales will use the ancient skill of aural storytelling, to bring the epic tale of Shadows of Tain alive, accompanied by live musicians, and with the magic of shadow puppetry.
And sensational singer-song writers, Lisa O’Neill, David Keenan, SIVE and Dani, who’s own rawness and energy would challenge any spirit, will take to the stages at the Crescent Concert Hall during PUCA.
Do something different this Halloween, come alive in the dark and awaken your spirit at Púca. More information and tickets can be found at www.pucafestival.com
